Ex-Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas moved to Sauber for 2022 with a agency two-year contract till the staff activated a clause to retain the Finn alongside stablemate Zhou Guanyu for this time period.
Bottas has stated that any subsequent renewal with Sauber will likely be indicative of him having a secured an Audi seat, because the producer completes a 100% buyout of the Swiss squad.
Whereas there was hypothesis that Sauber have been lukewarm over retaining Bottas for 2024, he says tentative talks with Audi for its 2026 arrival are coming collectively.
He stated: “[I’m] slowly, slowly getting the ball rolling. However nothing elementary but.
“I believe we’d like a number of extra [races this season] below our belt, and hopefully with a very good few outcomes, the ball will roll a bit extra, however not a lot but.”
Amid Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 swap to Ferrari and the uncertainty surrounding Max Verstappen’s future given the turmoil on the high of Pink Bull, Bottas concedes there’s a “hazard” he may very well be outmanoeuvred within the driver market to finish up with out a seat.
“That is why it is advisable try to be one step forward,” he continued. “That is what my administration is engaged on within the background…
“I deal with the driving, and I’ve obtained individuals within the background, making an attempt to learn the market and work on totally different choices if that will likely be wanted.”
Valtteri Bottas, Stake F1 Staff Kick Sauber
Picture by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Photos
The ten-time grand prix winner needs to return to preventing on the entrance, having ended 2021 third within the standings with Mercedes earlier than winding up tenth and fifteenth in his two full campaigns with Sauber (then competing as Alfa Romeo).
“I do not actually really need to put any particular quantity on what number of years I’ve [left], however simply because I do not see the top coming but,” he stated. “I nonetheless really feel like I’ve tons to offer and much to attain.
“Now my motivation is get again nearer to the highest. I miss that feeling of preventing extra in the direction of the entrance finish. Clearly, being a part of Audi, that may very well be an incredible alternative for me to try this. So in fact, that is fascinating for me.”
Bottas says the affirmation of Audi’s buyout of Sauber, which dampens rumours that the marque was getting chilly ft over its F1 entry, gives staff “safety” and a “clear plan”.
Now contesting his twelfth top-flight season, in making an attempt to barter a seat, Bottas has touted the worth of his expertise.
He stated: “Expertise is vital within the sport. Additionally, when there’s regulation modifications, it is advisable be fairly dynamic on the route you are taking with the automotive and new concepts. Additionally, the extra you’ve got expertise, the extra you possibly can adapt to sure issues. I hope that is going to be my power.
“Additionally, they need to know I am fairly a very good staff participant with anybody who works alongside me.”